“There’s only one perfect nine-darter – mine”: Michael Smith reignites debate over Littler-Rock World Matchplay perfection

Michael Smith has reignited the debate over the greatest nine-darter of all time — insisting his famous moment in the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship final against Michael van Gerwen remains unmatched.

The Englishman’s nine-darter at Alexandra Palace lit up one of the most memorable matches in PDC history, and was widely seen as the greatest nine-darter of all time. However, the tide has recently changed for some, with suggestions Luke Littler’s perfect leg against Josh Rock from this year’s World Matchplay deserves top spot instead.

In that World Championship final, Van Gerwen led by one set to nil and the second set stood level at one leg apiece when he had a chance to produce a nine-darter himself. After eight perfect darts, the Dutchman narrowly missed double 12 for glory.

Moments later, Smith produced his own moment of perfection — six treble 20s followed by treble 19 and double 12 to seal the leg, sending the Ally Pally crowd into chaos.

Smith went on to win the final 7–3, claiming his first and so far only world title.

As mentioned, some have now produced the belief that Littler’s nine-darter during his World Matchplay semi-final against Josh Rock was even better. Both players began that leg with six perfect darts, but the teenage sensation got to the finish first and completed the leg in style. In other words, whilst the Smith-Van Gerwen leg had 17 perfect darts with only one miss, every single dart thrown in the Littler-Rock version was perfect.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Smith, however, isn’t having it. "There's only one perfect nine-darter which is mine," 'BullyBoy' answers with a wry smile, when quizzed on the topic by Darts Corner. "That leg between Luke and Josh, I've been involved in one of them. It doesn't just happen, but with mine and Michael's, the World Final, everything on the line..."

And with typical confidence, the St Helens star couldn’t resist a jab back. "I've heard Paul Nicholson try and say theirs was the best one, but Nicholson could only dream of being in a leg like that."